FIFA World Cup 2026 - players.bio

Spain stars lap up adulation of estimated two million on World Cup parade

MADRID: New World Cup champions Spain enjoyed a vibrant night of celebrations after an open-top bus parade through the streets of Madrid on Monday in front of a jubilant crowd of an estimated two million people. The players enjoyed drinks on their procession under a blazing sun, along the main arteries in the city center where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, before arriving at Cibeles square where they took to the stage and partied into the night. The squad and coach Luis de la Fuente were introduced one by one to the fans, each with their own choice of music that they sung along to, wearing “We are champions” shirts. “(Spain) showed the world what it is to work together, with one mind and one heart,” said pop superstar Shakira in a video message played to the team and crowd. De la Fuente offered a similar message, hailing his players as the “best in the world” and telling fans not to forget that “together we are stronger.” The players and staff posed for a photo before Rodri raised the trophy again, just as he had done on Sunday night after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra-time in New Jersey to be crowned champions. After flying back from the United States to Madrid, the players were received by King Felipe VI and the royal family earlier Monday, and then Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, before kicking off the parade. Players passed around the gleaming World Cup trophy and waved to their adoring supporters, some lining balconies, others on top of bus stops. Ferran Torres’s strike in extra-time was enough to bring Spain their second World Cup, following a first victory in 2010. “You have shown your grit, your resilience and your courage… combining head and heart,” the king told La Roja’s stars, who

Arrogance or pride? Argentina grapples with World Cup villain label

BUENOS AIRES: Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country’s status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament. But Argentines argue they are just passionate and misunderstood. “I think we deserve some credit for not being very well-liked, because of this tendency to be arrogant and look down on most people from a pedestal,” said Leo Simone, 55, a lawyer, from his home north of Buenos Aires. “They confuse arrogance with pride,” his wife chimed in, preferring not to give her name. While star Lionel Messi is beloved around the world, anti-Argentina sentiment grew as critics argued they were FIFA’s darling and received favorable referee calls such as penalties and cards shown to opponents. Then came the final, replete with fouls, brawls on the pitch, and the Argentine squad turning their backs when Spain received the World Cup trophy. The New York Times called it a “tetchy, petulant and distasteful performance.” Former Germany player Thomas Hitzlsperger wrote on X that the team were “disgusting sportsmen” and British television personality Piers Morgan said “they basically just went around whacking as many Spanish players as they could.” Near Ezeiza Airport, where thousands of fans welcomed the players returning to Buenos Aires on Monday night, Maximiliano Heredia, a 35-year-old construction worker, said: “We’ve always been criticized, we’re used to it. But we always give it our all.” ‘We love it’ Many Argentines online wore the criticism as a badge of honor. “There’s something about Argentine irreverence that they can’t tolerate.

Thousands welcome home Argentina squad, without Messi, despite World Cup loss

EZEIZA, Argentina: Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain Monday to give a rapturous welcome to the Argentine football squad who landed back home without star Lionel Messi, after their World Cup final loss to Spain. It was not the homecoming Argentines had hoped for, four years after millions celebrated their team’s tournament victory in 2022, but fresh scenes of joyful chaos filled the street as they danced, sang and set off fireworks to thank the players. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said earlier that some squad members would not be on the flight, and iconic team captain Messi was not seen descending from the aircraft in images broadcast on local television. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the rest of the team were welcomed with a red carpet outside the aircraft and a military band. They then boarded a bus, waving to frenzied fans along the way. Despite falling short of a second straight championship, “Argentines will celebrate anyway,” said housewife Marga Ledezma.

Tearful end does not take away from Messi’s greatness

DUBAI: The undisputed greatest of all time stood battered, bruised and badly beaten. The defeat added poignancy as it came at the hands of someone who had grown up idolizing him, and now, had all but ended his illustrious career.

How Lamine Yamal jumped the queue to become the world’s next greatest footballer

DUBAI: As Spain’s teammates and substitutes celebrated wildly at the final whistle, Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana fell to his knees and raised his hands in prayer. And no wonder the 19-year-old Muslim player gave thanks toward the heavens. He had just achieved what no player has ever before, becoming a world and European champion before turning 20.

Egypt’s Al-Ahly reject Al-Ittihad’s bid for World Cup star Emam Ashour, sources say

RIYADH: Al-Ittihad have had a bid for Egypt’s World Cup midfielder Emam Ashour rejected by Cairo giants Al-Ahly, according to a source close to the player who spoke to Arabic sports daily Arriyadiyah.

Spain deserved to win World Cup: Argentina’s Scaloni

EAST RUTHERFORD, United States: Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted Spain were the better team following his team’s 1-0 extra-time defeat in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday. Substitute Ferran Torres scored in the second period of extra-time as Spain finally broke down 10-man Argentina to win 1-0 at the MetLife Stadium. The South American champions, featuring star player Lionel Messi, had been seeking to become the first team since 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. “They were the better side — that’s the truth — but I’ll cherish the memory of them (his side), of what they achieved, and of the value of making it this far,” Scaloni said. “We have to place immense value on this because it takes so much effort.” Scaloni said his team must accept defeat with the same grace they showed when celebrating recent successes. “We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat.

Mbappé becomes first two-time Golden Boot winner after Messi is blanked in the World Cup final

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.: Kylian Mbappé is now the owner of World Cup Golden Boots. The French striker became the first player to finish as the leading scorer at multiple World Cups, winning his second Golden Boot award when Lionel Messi was blanked in Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain on Sunday in the final. Mbappé totaled 10 goals and four assists for a France team that finished fourth. Messi ended up with eight goals and four assists after going without a goal or an assist for the first time in his last 12 World Cup games. Messi was still hoping to win a record-extending third Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Sport News

Spain stars lap up adulation of estimated two million on World Cup parade

Arrogance or pride? Argentina grapples with World Cup villain label

Thousands welcome home Argentina squad, without Messi, despite World Cup loss

Tearful end does not take away from Messi’s greatness

How Lamine Yamal jumped the queue to become the world’s next greatest footballer

Egypt’s Al-Ahly reject Al-Ittihad’s bid for World Cup star Emam Ashour, sources say

Spain deserved to win World Cup: Argentina’s Scaloni

Mbappé becomes first two-time Golden Boot winner after Messi is blanked in the World Cup final